Self‑Directed Support (SDS) gives people more choice and control over how their care and support is arranged.
It focuses on what matters to you and how support can help you live as independently as possible.
SDS is discussed as part of your assessment and can be used to arrange support at home, in the community or alongside other care arrangements.
What is Self‑Directed Support?
Self‑Directed Support means you have choices in how your care and support is managed. Working with your social worker, you can decide how involved you want to be in planning and arranging your support. Information and support from the Self‑Directed Support Team is available via [email protected] or by phone on 01738 476938.
There are four SDS options, and you can use one option or a combination, depending on what works best for you.
The four SDS options
You do not need to decide this on your own - your worker will explain the options and support you to choose.
Option 1 - Direct payments
You receive the agreed funding directly and arrange your own support. This may include buying care from an agency or employing your own staff, such as a Personal Assistant. This option offers the greatest flexibility but comes with responsibilities such as keeping basic records.
Option 2 - Individual service fund
You choose your support, but the Council manages the funding on your behalf. This can be helpful if you want choice without managing the finances yourself.
Option 3 - Council-arranged support
Your support is arranged and managed by the Council and delivered either directly or through another provider.
Option 4 - A mix of options
This option allows a combination of the above, so some parts of your support are managed by you and others by the Council.
Paying for support
In most cases, the Council meets the majority of the cost of your support. Some people may be asked to pay a contribution, depending on their circumstances.
You will be offered a financial assessment to make sure you are not asked to pay more than you can afford. Some support, including free personal care, is not charged.
More information is available in Paying for care and free personal care.
Personal Assistants
A Personal Assistant (PA) provides one‑to‑one support to help people live independently and take part in everyday life in a way that suits them. Personal Assistants are most commonly used through Self‑Directed Support (SDS) Option 1 - Direct Payments, but support is available to help people throughout this process.
Perth & Kinross Council understands that starting Self‑Directed Support - particularly Direct Payments - can feel challenging, especially if you are new to employing someone for support.
Support with employing a Personal Assistant
The Self‑Directed Support Team offers practical support and guidance at every stage, including:
- Understanding what employing a Personal Assistant involves
- Advertising and recruitment
- Advice on employment responsibilities
- Support with contracts, payroll and record‑keeping
- Ongoing advice once support is in place
You do not need any previous experience of employing staff, and help is available throughout.
Information and support from the Self‑Directed Support Team is available via [email protected] or by phone on 01738 476938.
Personal Assistant scheme
Perth & Kinross Council runs a Personal Assistant scheme, where Personal Assistants can choose to have their details listed to help people find support. The Self-Directed Support Team offers a range of support which includes all aspects of recruitment, including the employment of staff. Contact them on [email protected] or by phone on 01738 476938.
You do not need to employ someone from this list - it is one option available to you.
All Personal Assistants on the scheme must:
- Be a member of the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) Scheme
- Provide a valid PVG reference number
Contact information
We are currently updating our list of PA's which will be available as soon as possible. In the meantime you can get in touch with us if you have any questions.
- Email: [email protected]
Training opportunities
Training opportunities are available to support Personal Assistants to work safely and confidently, including areas such as moving and assisting.
Information about training is available through Learning and development in our Professional Resources section.
Further information and support
Self‑Directed Support is available to adults, children and young people.
National guidance in accessible formats, including British Sign Language (BSL), is available on the Scottish Government's Self‑Directed Support website.
If you would like to explore SDS or Personal Assistant support as part of your care, you can do this through Accessing care.
